Modular build approved for Moate CS autism spectrum class

The Department of Education has given its approval for a new modular building at Moate Community School in order to accommodate one of its existing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) classes.

The fourth ASD class at the school opened in September 2022, and since then it has operated within existing school accommodation, despite requests from Moate CS for the provision of an additional dedicated classroom for it.

On Friday last, the Department gave the green light for the new modular build in order to accommodate the class.

The news was welcomed by Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy. "This is long overdue. The board of management and the principal had been providing the class through the use of other space in the school, so this is welcome."

The TD said he was not aware of the specific timeline for when the modular classroom would be in place, but he hoped it would happen as soon as possible.

"It's welcome that this additional space has been approved for the school, and it's regrettable that they had to wait so long for it. Hopefully now that it has been approved it can be delivered in a very timely fashion."

Attempts to reach Moate CS on Monday for comment were unsuccessful.